Do animals experience the searing pain of grief and love?

Nature · Published 11 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Biological anthropologist Barbara J. King examines evidence that diverse species, from orcas to ducks, express profound emotions. This exploration challenges us to consider how understanding animal sentience might change our ethical treatment of the natural world.

While animals may not grieve in the exact same way humans do, biological anthropologist Barbara J. King argues that their grief is real and intense. Her research looks at how species as varied as orcas, elephants, donkeys, and ducks demonstrate complex emotional lives.

By recognizing these emotional capacities, King suggests we may find new ways to treat other species more ethically, including in our dietary choices.

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